RIP: Leitrim actor who starred in Calvary, The Guard and The Banshees of Inisherin passes away
Gary Lydon, the Ifta-winning actor, also starred in much-loved TV programmes including The Clinic, Pure Mule and Love/Hate.
There was a huge outpouring of tributes for legendary Leitrim actor Gary Lydon who starred in films such as Calvary, Brooklyn, War Horse, The Guard and The Banshees of Inisherin, who has died aged 61.
The Ifta-winning actor also starred in much-loved TV programmes including The Clinic, Pure Mule and Love/Hate.
Gary, born Gary Mark O’ Brien, in Shanballybawn, Leitrim P.O. formerly Clonard, Wexford Town died on April 30 2026, suddenly at his home, pre-deceased by his parents Jimmy and Judy O’Brien.
He has been described as one of the finest actors in Ireland as well as a loving father.
He would later take his mother's surname for his professional career and first came to prominence after starring in Billy Roche's Wexford Trilogy of plays in the mid-1980s.
Gary Lydon (left) came to prominence in Billy Roche's Wexford Trilogy of plays pictured with the late Shay Gormon (centre) and Aiden Gillen (right)
Many of the comments touched on Gary's unique ability to capture the fragility of the human experience.
One message wrote: "Many words will be written about his outstanding abilities to interpret the human condition and blessed with a marvelous face which naturally conveyed those highs and lows."
Another colleague wrote: "It’s impossible to take in, that someone with so much passion can disappear so suddenly. Gary was a spectacular actor who I always loved to work with. He cared so deeply and passionately about his work and some of my happiest moments of my career were acting opposite him."
Gary Lydon pictured during shooting of The Banshees of Inisherin
Another message said: "I have such happy memories of acting with Gary, in the National Youth Theatre production of The Young Europeans, in 1986. You could already tell what a good actor he would turn out to be. I remember him as thoughtful, kind and slightly shy - but with quiet strength and a lovely wit. A gentle soul and all-round beautiful human."
Wexford Arts Centre, its Executive Director Elizabeth Whyte wrote: "We are heartbroken and saddened to hear of the sudden loss of Gary. We still had many plans in the pipeline following the success of Of Mornington. We were privileged to have his magnificent performances cross our stage over forty years from Billy Roche’s Boker Poker Club to Of Mornington embodying all the characters he played to perfection. We take comfort only in the fact that he got to play the role of Phil that he wished to play for a long time and he got to share the stage in his final performance with his equally talented son James.
The theatre is dimmer without Gary. May he be threading the boards in the heavens."
Another comment spoke of his dedication to his sons. "We are deeply saddened to learn of the sad and sudden passing of your beloved Gary. We shared many memories of Gary in and around our beloved GAA Club, St Michael's, where Gary was always visible on the sidelines supporting our underage teams where his son James was playing. Always willing to lend a hand."
Reposing at Shivnan’s Funeral Home Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon, F52 WT26, on Wednesday evening (May 6th) from 5 p.m. until 8p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Michael’s Church, Cootehall, F52 AF85, on Thursday (May 7th) at 12 noon followed by interment
afterwards in Kileenan Cemetery, Cootehall.
Donations in lieu of flowers to Wexford Arts Centre.
Funeral Mass may be viewed live on the following link www.churchtv.ie/cootehall